|
Jesus is depending on his disciples to continue God’s purposeful ministry. This is God’s purpose for our calling. And Jesus uses the vineyard to make a metaphorical point. God is the vinegrower to Jesus and Jesus is the true vine to his branch. We are included. What a blessing! We are included as his branch calling us to grow in a relationship with him–to abide (remain) in him. Abide in me as I abide in you –Jesus abides in us. In the vineyard, grapevine branches need radical pruning to keep their productivity. The roots need care. In time over years, weeding and composting can build what seems to produce almost indestructible plants. With needed pruning, the fruit produces better fruit. In reality, it is not the amount of fruit, but it is the act of being fruitful. Our fruit increases much! With God’s gifted blessings we serve in plentifulness, with abundant willingness, and pleasing in Christ’s ministry.
When necessary, the fruit on our branch requires pruning. This purges the things that separate us from our relationship with the vinegrower. And you ask, “Why?” Because God hears and God has something better for you and me for his Purpose. It is important to note the fruitfulness in your life requires our trust and obedience. Trust in the stability in your relationship with God. Simply said, God makes sure you are fruitful and you make sure you are stable and work to stay there. Prayer is vital for stability.
The relationship of abiding means that we cannot “go it alone” in our spiritual lives. We cannot free float spirituality, fly by the seat of our pants spirituality, or a part time spirituality. This is not sustainable. This means the impossibility cannot happen alone: Jesus says, The branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless you abide, remain in me” (John 15:4). Abiding in Christ establishes a communication element that is a divine-human relationship beyond our possibility–opportunity to “bear much fruit.”–an opportunity for change for the better! In addition, Jesus invites those who are intent on abiding in him to “ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). Jesus’ invitation means for us to pray in the spirit of abiding and to do so with full awareness of our surrounding environment, while in the asking knowing that it can only be done, abiding in Christ as part of his abiding in us.
Prayer defines how you abide in God. When you pray, you speak to God. When you read God’s word, God speaks to you. When earthly forces challenge you, your branch may require some pruning in order to remain stable in God’s plan. God’s vineyard is meticulously perfect with resources and nurturing blessings. God is available to life you up out of that unworthy and dirty environment, and calls you to abide in his vineyard. Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love” )v.9). If only you come, “that your joy may be complete” (v.11). Amen.
Rev. Carole, Assistant Pastor
|
0 Comments